It was Socrates that said, “An unexamined life is not worth living”. I am reading John Maxwell’s newest book, Good Leaders Ask Great Questions, and in the second chapter, John reveals the questions he asks himself every day. He then challenges the reader to make their own list. I recently took that challenge.
Questions are an important tool in examining yourself. I did not think it would be very difficult, but quickly realized how empowering this exercise was.
Here are the six questions I decided I should be asking myself every day:
1. Am I helping others? This is a question of purpose. As a coach, my aspiration is to help others become successful in their lives. Every day I need to evaluate what I have done to achieve this objective. I should define the value I have contributed. This question keeps me aligned with my purpose.
2. Am I guided by my heart? This is a question of motive. Motives matter. I find it interesting that John Maxwell points out that motives are different than values. You can have good values and still be affected by the wrong motive. This question helps me be guided by positive motives.
3. Am I being authentic? This is a question of character. I need to be who I am. My actions need to reflect who I am and who I want to be. If you want to do more, you have to be more. This question aligns my actions with my values.
4. Am I working in my strength zone? This is a question of effectiveness. If I spend too much time out of my strength zone, then the best I can be is average. Doing what I am best at, allows me to excel. Spending time in my strength zone is what can differentiate me. This question allows me to be strategic.
5. Am I taking care of today? This is a question of priorities. I follow a process to make sure my actions are important. I invest time in my faith, my family, my health, my work, and doing what is required of me. It is a matter of organizing my day with the right priorities. This question helps me keep perspective.
6. Am I growing as a person? This is a question of success. Investing in myself is an investment that has everlasting value. I can only succeed to the level of my awareness, my belief in myself, and my competency. I invest in myself daily, to grow as a person, and to grow my success daily. This question challenges me.
These are the six questions I defined when I took the challenge. I found this to be a very enlightening exercise. It gets to the very core of who you are, and who you want to become.
Are you ready for the challenge? What questions would you define for yourself? What questions will help you examine your life, and live to your fullest?